Talks failed because of Malaysia: Morrison

Talks to broker a deal on asylum policy failed because the federal government didn't address the coalition's concerns about the Malaysia people-swap deal, opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison says.

Discussions between Mr Morrison and Immigration Minister Chris Bowen broke down on Monday night after the pair failed to reach any agreement.

"It is disappointing that the government is either unwilling or unable to address the concerns that we have raised in relation to their proposed legislation," Mr Morrison told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

"It would be disingenuous to continue discussions that this government has effectively terminated by failing to be able to respond to the concerns and problems that we have raised."

Mr Bowen said the legislation abolished human rights protection.

"This is all about a piece of legislation that the government has sought support from the coalition for unamended," he added.

Over the weekend, the coalition reiterated its policy of turning back boatloads of asylum seekers, temporary protection visas and offshore processing.

Mr Morrison said the government now either had to support coalition policy or support the Australian Greens' policy of onshore processing.

Mr Morrison also released a series of letters sent between himself and Mr Bowen outlining their parts of their discussions.

In a letter dated January 23, Mr Morrison wrote: "Your response indicates that the government has no intention of seriously addressing the coalition's legitimate policy concerns.

"Your response can only be interpreted as an act to intentionally frustrate and therefore terminate these discussions or disingenuously seek to prolong them."